Consumer Protection

Consumer protection laws apply to transactions by individuals for products or services. These laws protect consumers from inferior or hazardous products, deceptive advertisements, and fraudulent sales practices. Laws also protect consumer’s identity and privacy, and provide a framework for filing complaints.

Many complaints may be resolved with a letter to the company, business, or service provider involved. Other complaint may require a more formal procedure. Many types of businesses and services require government-issued licenses or permits. Complaints may be filed with the appropriate regulatory agency.

Primary public access window to the Attorney General’s office. Assists in answering questions on a wide variety of issues ranging from consumer fraud to public safety. Serves as a centralized office for consumer complaints and requests for information.

A free, comprehensive, multilingual information and referral service with a database of more than 1,600 local community and public services. Information and referral specialists are available by phone 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, and can assist callers by providing appropriate referrals for services needed. Serves as the designated Senior Information and Assistance program in Sacramento County and is a member of the Sacramento Region VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). Links hundreds of callers to free income tax preparation sites each year.

Forms

Consumer protection may involve sending complaint letters to the company involved, submitting complaints to appropriate agencies, or bringing a lawsuit in small claims or civil court. Links to sources of forms for these purposes are below.

Do you have a consumer problem and want to write a complaint letter? This tool can help you write one. Follow these five steps, and you will have a letter that you can mail to a company.

Research Guides

The Law Librarians have created these research guides as an aid for those starting a legal research project. These guides recommend print and electronic resources that will help you find answers to your law-related questions. Many guides provide step-by-step information, as well as sample forms, for common legal procedures.

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Related Links

Consumer Service Center: Includes links to Product, Privacy, Financial, Housing, Food, and Transportation information.License Verification: Look up the license of anyone in a trade or profession licensed by the DCA.